My name is Emma Despres. It was an aching body, busy mind and depressed spirit which initially brought Emma to yoga. And what started as a purely physical practice has become so much more than that so that over time she has gained a deeper understanding of the mind and its limiting and fearful nature, and a profound awareness of energy, heart and nature so that yoga and Reiki have become both a spiritual practice, a healing art and a way of life to her. Emma is passionate about many things, but especially family, yoga, Reiki, Guernsey, Nepal, the moon, sea swimming, soaking in the bath with a good book, women's health and wellbeing (especially fertility and motherhood, having conceived through IVF, and experienced placenta previa and premature birth), realising our potential, and living a life of purpose.

Emma has developed an eclectic approach to teaching, healing and life in general, which encourages the heart to lighten, the body to ground, the energy to flow, the spirit to shine and compassion for all beings including Mother Earth. Emma has recently published a book called "Dancing with the Moon", which details her spiritual journey through IVF.

What do I do best?

Cuddling my boys, teaching yoga, sharing Reiki, seeing the world, making the most of the natural beauty of Guernsey and writing about it all! I’m also pretty good at cleaning the cottage and making cacao energy balls! Hmm, OK, and I’m also a bit of a mountain goat and trek well in the Nepali mountains!

What makes me the best version of myself?

Empathy. I’ve gone through a few challenges in life that have certainly helped me to be more empathic and comfortable in my own skin. Plus, I’m super sensitive to energy.

What are my aspirations?

Personally I’d like to step further and further into authenticity. I’s also like to raise my boys to live authentic lives without irrational fear.

Business wise, I’d like to have my own yoga and healing space so I can more easily share my passions with others and do my little bit to help to make the world a better place. I’d also like to write a few more books and inspire others to fulfil a little more of their potential and live a life of purpose.

My Biggest Success?

Bringing new life into this world. I’m pretty proud of that. It’s like magic really, especially with us using IVF. The fact I got to write a book about it to help others, made it even the more magical.

My Most Challenging Moment?

There have been many, but when I was 29 years old, selling my house, splitting up with my boyfriend and quitting my full-time professional job in the offshore finance industry (climbing up the career ladder as I was) to go off travelling to Byron Bay in Australia to practice yoga for a few months because my heart told me to, was a HUGE decision, but one that changed my life in infinite ways.

My Motto?

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got”. That and “love not fear”.

My Favorite People/Role Models?

My absolute favorite people are my family – my soulmate Ewan, my boys Elijah and Eben, my brother Ross, my Mum, Jill, and my Dad, Ron. I am blessed with some really special friends too who are spread around the world.

Believe it or not, I don’t really have a role model. There are many people I admire, and who inspire something in me through the way they overcome challenges and/or make a difference in this world – my parents, my best friends, my students, and my teachers.

My Favorite Places/Destinations

Pokhara in Nepal, Byron Bay in Australia and Glastonbury in England. I LOVE these places, they have incredible energies. I also love Guernsey where I’m blessed to live, it has one of the most stunning coastlines in the world.

My Favorite Products/Objects?

Hmm, I’m not really a product person, although my life did change for the better when I brought Apple into it! Still, I’m more into crystals and lovely things that might go on my altar, you know like earthy women figurines and sage, angels, oracle cards and anything moon related. Poor Ewan, our cottage is scattered with such things!

My Current Passions?

OMG there’s so much. Yoga always excites me. As does the sea, especially getting in it and swimming! My boys, and watching them reveal their personalities and energies. Then there are the stone circles, these blow my mind and draw me in – I’m especially excited about our forthcoming trip to the Outer Hebrides to visit the Callanish stones. Ayurvedic Panchakarmas are incredibly enjoyable. And I haven’t even mentioned Byron chai tea with almond milk, even better if you can treat yourself to a cacao and almond energy ball at the same time. I’m very excited about my new book too. I’ve wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember, like since I was ten years old!